Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin said that there has been widespread anarchy in the country’s leather industry in the last 15 years and as a result, the industry has deteriorated drastically. The government is working to eradicate the syndicates that have developed in this sector.
He said this in response to questions from journalists after inspecting the activities related to the proper management of sacrificial leather at the largest leather market in the southwest region in Rajarhat, Jessore on Monday (June 9, 2025) afternoon.
The Trade Advisor said, “We are working to protect the interests of orphanages and madrasas in the leather industry first and foremost. Along with this, we are conducting activities thinking about the overall interests and future of the country’s leather industry.”
He said, “We are working across the country to restore the deterioration of the leather industry that has occurred in the last 15 years and to break the illegal syndicates. I myself am personally visiting different areas and monitoring the situation. The control team is also active.”
Sheikh Bashiruddin, mentioning that the government has distributed salt across the country to ensure the correct price of leather and increase its value, said, 750,000 manats of salt have been distributed for conservation to increase the price of leather. This step of the government has played a helpful role in determining the price of leather. Many madrasas have collected leather without salt. However, the government does not determine the price of leather without salt. Many seasonal traders have wasted it because they have no idea about leather. As a result, they did not get the desired price.
The advisor said that the government has released an incentive of Tk 2.2 billion before Eid to increase the capacity of tannery owners. Initiatives have also been taken to expand market management. He added that the steps taken by the government will create demand for the leather industry in the international market.
He also said that the government is still being blamed for the anarchy in the leather industry. However, the steps taken by the government to protect leather are unprecedented in the history of Bangladesh. We will be able to achieve our goal if we get everyone’s cooperation.
Jessore Deputy Commissioner Azahar Islam and Superintendent of Police Rawnak Jahan were present at the time.
